Crystal Synthesis

XICrystal Synthesis, colloquial crafting, is a the system used in Final Fantasy XI where a player uses a crystal plus other materials to create another object. Crystals can be, but are not always, obtained in the game when a creature is defeated by a player. Only creatures that will grant the player experience can drop crystals. These crystals, one for each of the eight elements, can be used opening an item synthesis menu. There are recipes for hundreds of items that can be made.

Each recipe of synthesis falls under a crafting category. Some recipes have a subtype, which basically dictate the high quality synthesis rate.

Type

Effect

Alchemy

The creation of potions and powders.

Bonecraft

The creation of items made of bone, like armored harnesses, necklaces, gelatin, etc.

Cooking

The creation of food for eating or bait for fishing.

Clothcraft

The creation of cloth armor, like robes.

Leatherworking

The creation of leather armor.

Goldsmithing

The creation of jewelry and armor using precious materials (gold, platinum, silver, and gems).

Smithing

The creation of weapons and metal armors.

Woodworking

The creation of arrows and furniture.

Each recipe has a difficulty. If the player's skill is below the crafting level for the recipe, they have a greater chance of failing his synthesis attempt. If the player fails, they will lose the crystal and possibly some or all of the materials used in the synth, for short.

If the player has more skill than is required to make the item, they have a greater chance of making a High Quality item, an improved version of the original. In the case of potions or other medicine, this means it will restore more HP, MP, and/or whatever other effect it has. In the cases of armor, it usually grants better Defense bonus. In the case of weapons it usually makes the weapon slightly faster or increases its damage. Special effects and ability modifiers are also greater on High Quality materials.